NEW YORK – In the aftermath of an overwhelming vote in favor of strike– by a 96% margin, and in recognition of the compelling issues that motivated that significant vote, National Nurses United today issued its strongest message of support to the RNs of Lenox Hill Hospital in their call for a fair contract.
 
National Nurses United (NNU) – the largest union and professional association of RNs in the country, with 185,000 members -  called upon the management of Lenox Hill, owned by North Shore-LIJ Health System, to forego its proposals that would undercut patient care standards.  The RNs at Lenox Hill are members of the New York Professional Nurses Union (NYPNU) and have been in contract talks for many months.
 
A strike could begin on November 1.
 
Lenox Hill was purchased by North Shore-LIJ in 2010; the following year the North Shore-LIJ system reported  $6.3 billion in revenue.  Despite this substantial sum, including 2011 profits of  $134 million, North Shore-LIJ management is seeking to impose rules that allow for Lenox Hill RNs to be overworked and shifted away from direct patient care; place  RNs in units for which they are not trained or have experience; reduce tuition benefits geared to improve training and skills; and cut back the nurses’ health benefits.
 
“We have seen this over and over,” said Jean Ross, RN and co-president of NNU.  “Management makes demands that will undercut patient care standards and drive away experienced RNs, and nurses have no choice but to stand up.   We cannot work the bedside, provide the care that is our calling -- for which we are professionally trained -- and give the ground management demands.”

Watch Lenox Hill Nurses Fighting for Patient Care:

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